Gregg Berhalter frustrated as MLS continues through the international break

Immediately after this weekend's fixtures, FIFA has set aside a fortnight for international games and the US men's national team will be in action with friendlies against Mexico (7 September) and Uruguay (11 September). However, USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter is far from happy.

Berhalter explained that he is disappointed with the Major League Soccer for decided not to put domestic competition on hold as the other leagues will be doing during the FIFA dates. He argues that it's because of that, there are players he cannot call up as they will be fighting for play-off places with their respective clubs.

Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore and Omar González have all been excluded from Berhalter's list.

"We're in a very difficult position because we're only allowed to play certain times of the year. One thing I've been a little bit disappointed in is the MLS teams opting to play in FIFA windows. It's infringing on the time we have with players. I understand their situation in not wanting to play mid-week games during the year, but it also puts us in a difficult spot, where we have to make some of those decisions that are difficult for both the player and the club."

Berhalter said he tries to make decisions without affecting the teams or the players - he knows the consequences from his own experience as coach in the MLS between 2013 and 2018.

"Having worked in MLS, we try to be somewhat accommodating and try to work with the clubs, but sometimes there's not perfect solutions, and sometimes we just have to say, that's just the way it is."